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Government of Canada Invests in Renovations at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery

by NationTalk onSeptember 24, 2009485 Views

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK – Sept. 24, 2009 – On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton), today announced funding for renovations at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick’s provincial art gallery.”Our Government is proud to support the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in improving and expanding its space to present art to the community,” said Minister Moore. “Renovations to the Gallery will increase access to the visual arts, while creating jobs and ensuring that this cultural institution thrives for years to come.”

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, located in Fredericton, is recognized internationally for its permanent art collection, which has grown from 300 works in 1959 to more than 3000 today.

The funding announced today will contribute to renovations that will improve preservation of the Gallery’s collections and allow for greater access to them. Enhancements include expansion of gallery and art storage space, upgrades to the climate control system, and improved public accessibility.

The reconfigured space will add three new galleries, including space dedicated to the permanent collection, as well as First Nations and children’s art. Renovations coincide with the celebration of the Gallery’s 50th anniversary and the designation of Fredericton as a 2009 Cultural Capital of Canada.

“This has been a great season for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery,” said Minister of State Keith Ashfield. “I am so pleased that the Government of Canada through the department of Canadian Heritage, and through my own department of ACOA, has been able to invest significantly in the Gallery’s renovation project, especially given the landmark anniversary being celebrated this year.”

“The financial support from the Government of Canada couldn’t be more timely for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery,” said Bernard Riordon, O.C., Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are laying the groundwork for some major plans for the next 50 years. With this funding, we will carry forward the legacy of our founder by building on the infrastructure to house our world-class collection, improve the visitor experience, and carry forward our vision of enriching life through art.”

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $1.5 million under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (formerly Cultural Spaces Canada)( http://pch.gc.ca/pgm/fcec-capf/index-eng.cfm). This program of the Department of Canadian Heritage seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing, visual, and media arts, and to museum collections and heritage displays. This funding is in addition to $1,878,564 provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced on September 10 (http://mediaroom.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/media/press/press.shtml?4508).

The Government of Canada is investing $540 million in the arts and culture sector to stimulate the economy as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan (www.actionplan.gc.ca/). It also recently renewed funding for federal arts programs totalling $1.51 billion over the next five years.

This news release is available online at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca

For more information, please contact

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
Stephanie Rea
Press Secretary
819-997-7788stephanie.rea[at]pch.gc.ca